2 Asepsis MicroorganismsThese are tiny, usually microscopic, entities capable of carrying on living processes.They are naturally present on and in the human body, as well as in the environment.Many are harmless (nonpathogenic) and do not produce disease in most individuals.If an individual is highly susceptible to infection, the nonpathogenic microorganisms could be dangerous.There are also known microorganisms (pathogens) that do cause specific diseases or infections.

3 Asepsis Infection ControlThis consists of the policies and procedures of a health care facility to minimize the risk of the spread of health care–associated (nosocomial) or community-acquired infections to patients and other staff members.Control of infection is an important part of every action the nurse performs.Why is a person at risk for infection when going for an invasive procedure?Why is it important for the nurse to be aware of infection control principles and practices?

4 Asepsis Asepsis Free of pathogenic microorganisms Medical asepsisInhibits growth and spread of pathogenic microorganismsClean techniqueSurgical asepsisDestroys all microorganisms and their sporesSterile techniqueHow does the nurse practice asepsis in his/her environment?What is the difference between clean and sterile technique?

5 Infection ProcessMicroorganisms must follow a definite cycle or chain to be transported and be effective in contamination and must have the following elements:Infectious agenta pathogenReservoirwhere the pathogen can growExit from the reservoirMethod of transportation, such as exudate, feces, air, hands, needlesEntrance through skin, mucous lining, or mouthHostanother person or animalThe cycle must be interrupted to prevent the spread of a microorganism.What actions by the nurse can inhibit the growth or spread of microorganisms?

7 Infection Process Infectious Agent Bacteria VirusesAerobic: grows only in the presence of oxygenAnaerobic: grows only in the absence of oxygenVirusesSmallest known agents that cause diseaseInfections usually self-limitingExceptions include rabies and HIVWhat are flagella? Hairlike projections from the organism that make them mobile.Why are spores resistant to heat and disinfectants? Because of their tough outer layer.What is a culture and sensitivity test?

8 Some common disease-producing bacteria.Figure 12-3Some common disease-producing bacteria.

10 Infection Process Infectious Agent (continued) Fungi ProtozoaFungi are responsible for some of the most common diseases found in humans.Many are harmless, but some are responsible for infections.ProtozoaThese single-celled animals exist everywhere in nature in some form.Disease-producing protozoa are responsible for malaria, amebic dysentery, and African sleeping sickness.What common fungus is found on the scalp and frequently in children? RingwormWhat common fungi infect people’s feet? Athlete’s foot.

13 Infection Process ReservoirA reservoir is any natural habitat of a microorganism that promotes growth and reproduction.Examples of reservoirs are soiled or wet dressings, hospital equipment, and carriers (person or animal who harbors and spreads an organism).Food and proper atmosphere are required to thrive.Give examples of hospital equipment that are capable of being a reservoir.What other medium of an environment contributes to support organisms? Oxygen, water, temperature, and light.

14 Infection Process Exit RouteA microorganism cannot cause disease in another host unless it finds a point of escape from the reservoir.Human exit routes are gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary systems; tissue; and blood.Hand hygiene can prevent the spread of microorganisms or cross-contamination.How may the nurse educate the patient to prevent the spread of his/her own microorganisms?

15 Infection Process Method of TransmissionOnce the microorganism has exited a reservoir, there are many vehicles on or by which it can travel to the next host.FomiteVehicle is inanimate (nonliving) objectStethoscope, thermometer, bandage scissors, etc.VectorLiving carrierProvide other examples of fomites and vectors.

17 Infection Process Entrance of MicroorganismsThe microorganism must find a way to enter the susceptible host.When the host’s defense mechanisms are reduced, the microorganism has a greater chance to enter.Punctured skin, open wounds, accidental needlesticksThe skin is the first line of defense and should be kept intact, lubricated, and clean.Give examples of possible modes of entrance for an organism.

18 Infection Process HostAn organism in which another, usually parasitic, organism is nourished and harboredAn infection will not develop unless a person is susceptible to the strength and numbers of the microorganism.Immunizations have proved effective in providing additional protection against infectious disease.How do immunizations protect a person?What factors affect a person’s defense mechanisms? See Box 12-2

21 Infection Process Inflammatory ResponseThe body’s cellular response to injury or infectionProtective vascular reaction that delivers fluid, blood products, and nutrients to interstitial tissues in the area of injuryNeutralizes and eliminates pathogens or necrotic tissues and establishes a means of repairing body cells and tissues

23 Health Care-Associated InfectionsHealth Care-Associated (Nosocomial) InfectionOne that is acquired while in a hospital or other health agencyAcquired at least 12 hours after admissionHospital harbors microorganisms that may be highly virulent, making it a more likely place to acquire an infection

24 Health Care-Associated InfectionsExogenous InfectionInfection caused by microorganisms from another personEndogenous InfectionInfection caused by the patient’s own normal microorganisms becoming altered and overgrowing or being transferred from one body site to anotherHealth care–associated infections are most commonly transmitted by direct contact between health personnel and patients or from patient to patient.How do nosocomial infections increase costs of health care? They increase length of stay.

25 Infection Control TeamInfection Control Practitioner/ProfessionalNurses who are specially trained in infection controlResponsible for advising hospital personnel on safe aseptic practices and for monitoring infection outbreaks within the agencyEmployee Health ServicePlays a role in infection control by taking measures to protect the health care worker from disease carried by patients and to protect patients from disease carried by staffWhat other responsibilities does the infection control nurse have?What infection is most commonly transmitted by needlesticks? Hepatitis B.What is the protocol if an employee of a health care facility is stuck by a contaminated needle? See Box 12-4.

26 Standard Precautions Hand HygieneThis is the most important and basic preventive technique for interrupting the infectious process.Wash hands before patient care; after touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items; immediately after gloves are removed; between patient contacts; and when otherwise indicated.What amount of time should be spent washing your hands in a health care facility? 2 minutes.

29 Standard Precautions GlovingDon gloves if there is any possibility of contact with infectious material.Gloves are worn only once and then placed into infectious waste containers.If the nurse has not completed care but has come into contact with infectious material, the gloves should be changed before continuing patient care.Hands should be washed after gloves are removed.

31 Standard Precautions GowningWear a gown to protect skin and prevent soiling of clothing during procedures and patient care activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions or cause soiling of clothing.How might a gown protect the patient? A patient who is immunocompromised.

36 Standard Precautions Mask/Protective EyewearProtects the wearer from inhaling microorganisms that travel on airborne droplets.Prevents inhaling pathogens if resistance is reduced or during transport to another area.Discourages the wearer from touching the mouth, nose, and eyes and from transmitting infectious material.How often should a mask be changed? Every 20 to 30 minutes or if it becomes moist.

39 Standard Precautions Disposal of Contaminated Equipment Double BaggingSpecially labeled bagging and either sanitary burial or incineration are required.Disposal of sharps (needles, blades)Must be put in a puncture-proof containerDouble BaggingThis infection control practice involves placing a bag of contaminated items into another clean bag that is held outside an isolation room by other personnel.This is recommended when it is impossible to keep the outer surface of a single bag free from contamination.In a health care facility, who decides how infectious wastes will be managed? Infection Control nurse and/or Infection Control Committee.

40 Isolation Technique Basic PrinciplesThorough hand hygiene should be performed before entering and after leaving a patient’s room.An understanding of the patient’s specific disease process and method of transmission of the infectious microorganism helps determine the use of protective barriers.Give examples of barriers to pathogens in the hospital environment. Private room, closed doors, protective gowns and masks, goggles, gloves, and shoe covers.

41 Isolation Technique Basic Principles (continued)Contaminated equipment and articles are to be disposed of in a safe and effective manner to prevent transmission of pathogens to other individuals.If the patient is transported to other areas in the facility, necessary measures should be taken to protect those who may be exposed. Have the patient wear a gown and mask.

42 Isolation TechniqueThe patient with an infectious disease should be placed in a private or isolation room with the appropriate hand hygiene and toilet facilities.Private rooms used for isolation have negative-pressure airflow to prevent infectious particulates from flowing out of the closed environment.Special rooms with positive-pressure airflow are also used for highly susceptible patients such as transplant recipients. No organisms are able to enter the room.All articles that come into contact with the patient are contaminated and should be handled appropriately to maintain protective asepsis.How does the nurse manage items used to obtain vital signs and such equipment that cannot remain in the patient’s room?Why should extra time be spent with a patient who’s in isolation? The patient’s psychologic and emotional condition may be compromised due to the isolation from others.

43 Isolation TechniqueThe CDC issued isolation guidelines that contain two tiers of approach.First TierPrecautions designed to care for all patients in health care facilities regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infectiousnessSTANDARD PRECAUTIONSSecond TierCondenses the disease-specific and categories approach to isolation into new transmission categories:Airborne, droplet, and contact precautionsWhat are standard precautions?Give examples of airborne, droplet and contact precautions.

44 Surgical AsepsisThis requires the absence of all microorganisms, pathogens, and spores from an object.The nurse working with a sterile field or with sterile equipment must understand that the slightest break in technique results in contamination.This is practiced in the operating room, labor and delivery area, and major diagnostic areas, as well as at the patient’s bedside, when inserting IV lines or urinary catheters, or when reapplying sterile dressings.What other nursing procedures require sterile technique? Suctioning.What difference is there between the environments of a nurse in surgery and a nurse caring for a patient at the bedside?

45 Surgical AsepsisExplain what the patient can do to avoid contaminating sterile items.Avoid sudden movements of body parts covered by sterile drapes.Refrain from touching sterile supplies, drapes, or the nurse’s gloves and gown.Avoid coughing, sneezing, or talking over a sterile area.How might the nurse facilitate the patient’s cooperation when performing a sterile procedure?

46 Surgical Asepsis Principles of Sterile TechniqueA sterile object remains sterile only when touched by another sterile object.Only sterile objects may be placed on a sterile field.A sterile object or field out of vision or an object held below the waist is contaminated.A sterile object or field becomes contaminated by prolonged exposure to air.Why is it beneficial for the nurse to take a few extra supplies to the patient’s room when performing a sterile procedure?

47 Surgical Asepsis Principles of Sterile Technique (continued)When a sterile surface comes in contact with a wet, contaminated surface, the sterile object or field becomes contaminated.Fluids flow in the direction of gravity.The edge of the sterile field or container is considered contaminated.Why is a sterile object considered contaminated when in contact with a wet surface? Organisms from the unsterile area will travel in the moist medium and contaminate the sterile field.What portion of the sterile field is considered contaminated? A 1-inch border around a sterile field is considered contaminated by the unsterile field.

48 Surgical Asepsis Opening Sterile PackagesSterile items are placed in plastic or paper containers that are impervious to microorganisms as long as they are dry and intact.Reusable supplies may be wrapped in a double thickness of linen or muslin.Sterile supplies have dated labels or chemical tapes that indicate the date when the sterilization expires.If the integrity of the sterile package is questionable, the item should not be used.

49 Surgical Asepsis Opening Sterile PackagesNurse performs a thorough hand hygiene.The supplies are assembled at the work area.Commercially packaged items are usually designed so that the nurse only has to tear away or separate the paper or plastic cover.The item is held in one hand while the wrapper is pulled away with the other.Care is taken to keep the inner contents sterile before use.

56 Surgical Asepsis Preparing a Sterile FieldWhen performing sterile procedures, the nurse needs a sterile work area that provides room for handling and placing of sterile items.A sterile field is an area that is free of microorganisms and is prepared to receive sterile items.The field may be prepared by using the inner surface of a sterile wrapper or by using a sterile drape.If a nurse dons sterile gloves while establishing a sterile field, how will he/she open packages without contaminating his/her sterile field?

58 Surgical Asepsis Pouring Sterile SolutionsA bottle containing a sterile solution is sterile on the inside and contaminated on the outside; the bottle’s neck is also contaminated, but the inside of the bottle cap is considered sterile.Before pouring the solution into the container, the nurse pours a small amount (1 to 2 mL) into a disposable cap or waste receptacle. This cleans the lip of the bottle and is referred to as “lipping.”Pour the solution slowly to avoid splashing.The bottle should be held outside the edge of the sterile field.Why should a bottle be held outside the sterile field when performing “lipping”?

59 Surgical Asepsis Donning Sterile Gown Donning Sterile GlovesNecessary for operating room and certain sterile procedures or special treatment areasDonning Sterile GlovesTwo methodsOpenUsed on general nursing divisions before procedures such as dressing changes or urinary catheter insertionsClosedPerformed when the nurses wear sterile gowns and is practiced in operating rooms and special treatment areasIn what environments would closed donning sterile gloves be performed?

60 Cleaning, Disinfection, and SterilizationThis is the removal of all foreign materials, such as soil and organic material, from objects.It generally involves the use of water and mechanical action with or without detergents.Contaminated disposable objects are usually discarded; reusable objects must be cleaned thoroughly and then either disinfected or sterilized.When cleaning equipment that is contaminated by organic material, the nurse applies a mask and protective eyewear and waterproof gloves.When does contamination occur? When an object comes in contact with infectious or potentially infectious material.

61 Cleaning, Disinfection, and SterilizationIt is used to destroy microorganisms, but it does not destroy spores.Solutions used are called disinfectants or bactericidal solutions.They are too strong for human skin and are used only on inanimate objects.The nurse should use clean gloves to protect the skin.In the first step of tissue breakdown, how does the skin feel when it is in contact with a disinfecting solution? Slippery; this is the first indication of tissue breakdown.

62 Cleaning, Disinfection, and SterilizationMethod used to kill all microorganisms, including sporesTwo typesPhysical (uses heat or radiation)Steam under pressure, boiling water, radiation, or dry heatChemicalGasChemical solutionsIodine, alcohol, and chlorine bleachWhat factors determine the method to destroy microorganisms?What other factors are to be considered regarding the sterilization process and the use of the article?

63 Patient Teaching for Infection ControlPatients and families often must learn to use infection control practices at home.The patient may not be aware of the factors that promote the spread of infection or of the ways to prevent its transmission.Educate patient about the nature of infection and the techniques to use in planning or controlling its spread.

64 Infection Control for the Home and Hospice SettingsPrevention of Infection in the Home SettingReview basic principles of hygieneBathing, not sharing personal articles, and covering one’s mouth when coughing and sneezingGeneral guidelines forHandwashingFood preparationLinen careWaste container careBody fluid spills

65 Nursing Process Nursing Diagnoses Tissue integrity, impairedInfection, risk forSocial isolationWhy would these nursing diagnoses be appropriate for these patients?What interventions would you utilize for each diagnosis?